V Sivankutty, Minister for General Education and Labour, Government of Kerala inaugurated the International Children’s Summit on Zero Waste Management at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram on 18 January 2025. The Minister also performed the Distribution of Medical Equipment to Santhwanam Volunteers.
This summit is an educational revolution. By integrating action-based learning with formal education, we are raising a generation that is not only environmentally conscious but also equipped to lead sustainable development efforts. The insightful papers and ideas emerging from this summit will be brought to the attention of local government authorities, who will listen to these children’s voices and implement the solutions.The Minister said in his Inaugural Address.
The Suchithwolsavam Campaign, launched in April 2023, is an inspiring example of how grassroots initiatives can be transformative. With the participation of 3.9 lakh members across 28,387 Balasabhas under Kudumbashree, this initiative has proven the power of collective action. This International Children’s Summit on Zero Waste Management is the culmination of this grand campaign that embodies the ideals of community participation, innovation and environmental protection. The primary objective of this summit is not only to discuss waste management but also to inspire young minds in tackling the challenges of waste disposal and recycling. Through activities like paper presentations, plenary, parallel sessions and interaction with international delegates, our children gain invaluable insights, enhance their critical thinking skills and actively contribute to society.The Minister added.
It is commendable that around 750 selected children from across the state are here today to share their innovative ideas and research. The 80 meticulously prepared papers presented by these young environmentalists speak volumes about their dedication, creativity and understanding of real-world issues. Their topics range from waste threats, resource scarcity to education and environmental protection, reflecting their keen awareness and analytical skills. The young members of the Balasabha are indeed a global model for community action, with their unwavering commitment to tackling the challenges of pollution and social progress. They are not only our hope for the future, but also a source of immense pride for our State as well as our Nation. The Minister said.
The Minister also added that by empowering children to take the lead in environmental protection, Kudumbashree is not only transforming societies but also shaping a brighter and more sustainable future and through this summit Kudumbashree has added another golden feather to its glorious cap.
Adv. V.K. Prashanth, MLA, Vattiyoorkavu Constituency presided over the function. Licypriya Kangujam, Indian Climate Activist, World Children’s Peace Prize Winner, Manipur delivered the keynote address. In her speech, she explained about the ‘Plastic Money Shop’ started by her to reduce plastic pollution. which exchanges single-use plastic bottles for rice or a plant sapling or a stationary item.The mission of that project was to eliminate every single use plastic from our planet and also this initiative also stopped single use plastic waste from reaching the ocean, rivers, seas and landfills. Such initiatives can also be implemented by the Government of Kerala and the local authorities on a large scale.She also said that small actions can make a big difference and have greater impact. She added. She urged the Balasabha members to take an immediate climate action.
Ridhima Pandey, Indian Environmental Activist from Uttarakhand was also present at the function. Divya S. Iyer IAS, Project Director, Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) felicitated Licypriya Kangujam and Ridhima Pandey.
Kadakampally Surendran, MLA Kazhakuttom Constituency and the Chief Guest of the function released the Books on the Compilation of the Project Reports in Malayalam and English languages prepared by the Balasabha students by handing over the same to Adv. D. Suresh Kumar, President District Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram and Ridhima Pandey, Indian Environmental Activist from Uttarakhand respectively.
Dr. C.P. Vinod, Subject Expert presented the outline of the summit. Chandrasekhara N. M, Head, Programme Implementation Unit, South, Bal Raksha Bharat, Mohan Kumar, CEO & Director of Peerless Biotech Limited, Girish Menon, Chairman, Naadam Foundation, Rinu Vargheese, Senior Manager, Udhyam Learning Foundation, Vineetha C, Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 2 were also present at the function.
H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering and Dr. B. Sreejith Programme Officer, Kudumbashree delivered the vote of thanks. The children from Kudumbashree Balagothra Sabha of Attappady greeted the dignitaries on the dais with the products made by the students of BUDS Schools.
International Children’s Summit on Zero Waste Management is being organized as part of the culmination of the Suchithwolsavam Campaign, which has been organized for the children’s council members since April 2023 in connection with the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam Campaign. As part of this, 80 Project Reports prepared by the children are being presented. 20 papers will be presented at the main venue, Nishagandhi Open Auditorium, and the remaining sixty papers will be presented at 14 other venues set up near the main venue. There will be seminars and discussions on various topics at all the venues. The children themselves will be the moderators. The Summit will come to an end on 19 January 2025.
